Books
by John Christopher
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The Death of Grass |
Although written in the 1950s, this novel's theme of food security is remarkably prescient. A viral pandemic is killing all grasses, thus destroying agriculture. As order breaks down in Britain, John and his family try to make it across the country to the safety of his brother's farm. Foreshadowing books such as The Road, the only wrong note is the regressive view of women - the single sign that it's not as modern as it seems.
(Kate Ellis - bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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The Guardians |
Rob Randell is on the run. Escaping over the fence that separates the strictly controlled urban Conurb, he finds himself in the idyllic ordered society of the County. But this harmony comes at a price - is it a price too high? Christopher is much neglected as a writer for young people. His dystopian novels written forty years ago are well worth discovering and recommending to teens - or adults.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 71 Winter 2014) |
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